2019-05-07 Planning & Environment Committee Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                       7 MAY 2019


In contrast, there can be considered a series of key considerations (referred to as Danger Points
by CSIRO) that are the antithesis of the above Critical Success Factors. The key considerations
include:
 A direct and continuous reliance on Council for funding and management of the Institute.
 The lack of involvement of an external research entity in the running and research direction
    setting may make it difficult to attract high calibre projects, researchers or postgraduate
    students and any plans for long term research focus on specific sustainability issues of
    concern (e.g., traffic/transport, climate change etc.).
 Allowing research to progress with limited structure, definition or boundaries. This would
    devalue the relevance of the Institute, both locally and more broadly and have a potential
    negative impact on the uptake of research outputs.
 Not having a transparent and regular rotation of the management/steering group. This can
    lead to entrenched “lines of control” which can impede new research ideas.

Using all of the information obtained, three different models of a potential Institutes were
constructed. Refer Attachment A for further detail however summary provided here;

Model 1 - Essentially a virtual model which provides coordination of research and projects
undertaken, managed by Council and working with researchers that approach Council, Given this
is a web based model (virtual model) the model could include the provision of broader
sustainability information, resources and activities and would be a central repository.

Model 2 – This model involves a more formal structure of management than option 1, however
could evolve from option 1. It proposes a Steering Committee to oversee operations, provide
input into the selection or approval of submitted project proposals, as well as assessing research
outputs. The general operation of the Institute would be supported by an Institute Manager.
Research topics would be identified through calls for research and partnerships with research
organisations. This model would require seed funding from Council with the intent of attracting
funding from other sources, government, industry and potential partners. Similar to the virtual
model of option 1, research, information and outcomes would be coordinated and made
accessible and available to the community. This model is still essentially a Council led model.

Model 3 - This model again builds on the previous, however is a more complex model that sets
research directions, calls for projects, monitors research projects and facilitates the
implementation of research outcomes. This model proposes the establishment of a Board to
oversee operations and decision making, with the board make up proposed to have Council,
community and representatives from research agencies (e.g. universities). This model also
anticipates a potential physical location/presence, a place for researchers to work, demonstrate
outcomes and to be accessible by the community. This model would require funding from a
range of sources.

All of the model options have pros and cons that would need to be considered in the process of
advancing the idea of a research institute and the most appropriate structure for a Noosa
Sustainability Institute.

It was considered by CSIRO that the most complex model (Option 3) has the best potential to
create an international reputation for the Noosa region and attract funding outside of the Council,
however, the complexity of Option 3 means that effort, investment and time would be significant
for it to be established. The simplest model (Option 1) is the easiest to get underway and is
essentially a formalisation and centralisation of the research activities already undertaken within
the Council and potentially across the community. A version of the Option 1 model is what is
preferred for Noosa at this stage and is further discussed later in this report. Subject to the
success of this and further Council consideration progress towards a formal research institute
could then occur.

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